Hyosung Advanced Materials to Supply Airbags for Amazon Autonomous Vehicles

World's First Fully Autonomous Robo-Taxi to Receive New Concept Airbags
'OPW Airbag' Technology, Perfect Match for Future Vehicles Requiring 3D Airbags

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Hyosung Advanced Materials will be the first to supply airbags for Amazon's fully autonomous vehicle, the "robotaxi." The robotaxi is a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) with an interior layout that varies according to its intended use, and its body differs from conventional vehicles, requiring a differentiated airbag design. Hyosung Advanced Materials' unique technological capabilities are believed to have led to the contract with Amazon.

GST Global, an airbag manufacturer under Hyosung Advanced Materials, announced on the 16th that it will supply next-generation OPW airbags for the robotaxi developed by Zoox through the global automotive parts company ZF (ZF Friedrichshafen AG) starting next year. Specific details such as supply volume have not been disclosed.

Amazon unveiled the first fully autonomous vehicle, the robotaxi, last December through the autonomous driving startup Zoox. Amazon considered "safety" as a core element in producing the robotaxi and reportedly required a three-dimensional airbag design considering the autonomous vehicle's characteristic of allowing passengers to sit in various postures. GST Global's product was selected as the airbag that best fits "safety" and "scalability."

In particular, Amazon's choice of GST Global is known to have been significantly influenced by its outstanding technological capabilities in developing safety solutions. GST Global holds key patents related to OPW airbags. It is recognized for innovative technology in this field, including the X-tether technology used to maintain shape inside the OPW airbag and being the first in the world to develop polyester (PET) OPW airbags.

The OPW airbag was also evaluated as suitable for the robotaxi, which is designed with four seats facing each other. The airbag deploys from the ceiling and unfolds at a 90-degree angle, protecting passengers from impacts from multiple directions. Additionally, the OPW airbag is produced using a special weaving technology that eliminates the sewing process. It can maintain inflation longer than conventional airbags, providing better protection for passengers in the event of a vehicle rollover.

Hwang Jung-mo, CEO of Hyosung Advanced Materials, stated, "Hyosung Advanced Materials' material technology provides users with 'Safety' and 'Comfort.' Based on GST's excellent product development capabilities and OPW airbag manufacturing technology, we will continue to launch innovative products that meet the increasingly diverse user needs in the new mobility era."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.